Treaties and Alliances:
- Treaty of Versailles (1919): The harsh conditions imposed on Germany after World War I, particularly the loss of territory and the requirement for reparations, created a sense of resentment and revanchism in Germany.
- Locarno Treaties (1925): These treaties aimed to secure peace between Germany, France, Belgium, and Italy, but they failed to address the underlying tensions, especially Germany's desire to revise the Treaty of Versailles.
- Non-Aggression Pact between Germany and the Soviet Union (1939): Also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, this agreement divided Poland between Germany and the Soviet Union and included a secret protocol outlining further plans for territorial expansion in Eastern Europe.
Rise of Dictatorships:
- Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany: Hitler's rise to power in 1933 and his aggressive foreign policy, including the remilitarization of the Rhineland, the annexation of Austria (Anschluss), and the Sudetenland Crisis, escalated tensions in Europe.
- Benito Mussolini and Fascism in Italy: Mussolini's expansionist policies in Africa and his support for Germany's actions contributed to the growing instability in the region.
- Hideki Tojo and Japanese Militarism: Japan's militaristic regime sought to expand its empire in Asia, leading to conflicts with China and increasing tensions with Western powers.
Appeasement Policy:
- Appeasement of Nazi Germany: Britain, France, and other European powers pursued a policy of appeasement towards Germany in an attempt to avoid war. This included concessions such as the Munich Agreement of 1938, which allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia.
Failure of the League of Nations:
- Ineffectiveness of the League: The League of Nations, established after World War I to promote international peace and security, was unable to effectively address the growing aggression of Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Flashpoints and Events:
- Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): The conflict in Spain between the Republican government and the Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco became a testing ground for the military strategies and alliances of the major European powers.
- Japanese Invasion of Manchuria (1931): Japan's aggressive actions in Asia, including the invasion of Manchuria, contributed to the escalation of tensions in the Pacific region.
- German Invasion of Poland (1 September 1939): This event is considered the official start of World War II. The invasion prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany, leading to the outbreak of hostilities on a global scale.
In summary, a combination of factors, including treaties and alliances, the rise of dictatorships, appeasement policies, the failure of the League of Nations, and flashpoints such as the German invasion of Poland, contributed to the outbreak of World War II.